Anchors and methods for anchoring an underground storage tank

ABSTRACT

Various anchors and methods for anchoring an underground storage tank are provided. The anchor includes a base and at least one retention mechanism connected to the base for retaining various configurations of hooks and straps for holding the tank. The retention mechanism includes an opening and a retention member that is configured to open or close the opening by displacing or collapsing said retention member. The anchor may include a composite base having a footing and a spine extending upwardly from the footing so as to define footing portions on either side of the spine. The footing and the spine may have a composite composition that includes a matrix material and a reinforcement structure embedded within the matrix material. The retention mechanism may be connected to the spine of the composite base for retaining a hook for anchoring the underground storage tank.

FIELD

The present field generally relates to underground tanks and, moreparticularly, to anchors and methods for anchoring an underground tank.

BACKGROUND

Underground storage tanks, commonly referred to as USTs, are often usedin storing fluids such as petroleum fluids, fuels, solvents, water orother fluid products.

Installation of USTs presents a number of challenges. Typically,anchoring structures commonly called “deadmen” are placed within anexcavation pit beside the UST, straps are arranged to overly the USTalong its length, and the straps are connected to the deadmen by varioustypes of connectors that may include turnbuckles and hooks. For example,lowering a deadman into the pit and connecting the deadman to the hookscan be difficult and inefficient.

There is thus a need for techniques that respond to challenges relatedto construction and installation of UST anchors.

SUMMARY

In some implementations, there is provided an anchor for anchoring anunderground storage tank. The anchor includes a base and a retentionmechanism connected to the base. The retention mechanism includes anopening in the base; a first chamber and a second chamber extending fromthe opening in generally opposed relation to each other; a retentionmember including a first end and a second end respectively insertableinto the first chamber and the second chamber, the retention memberbeing sized and configured to be displaceable between an open positionwhere the first end of the retention member is located within theopening and is insertable through a hook; and a closed position wherethe first end is located within the first chamber and the second end islocated in the second chamber, thereby retaining the hook with respectto the retention member.

In some implementations, the retention member is a retention bar.

In some implementations, the retention bar has a one-piece structure.

In some implementations, the retention bar is straight.

In some implementations, the retention bar and the first and secondchambers are oriented lengthwise along the base and in generallyparallel relation with respect to a longitudinal axis of the undergroundtank.

In some implementations, the anchor further includes a locking mechanismfor locking the retention mechanism with respect to the base in theclosed position.

In some implementations, the locking mechanism includes a pin-and-holelocking system.

In some implementations, the locking mechanism includes a hole providedthrough the base and communicating with one of the chambers; a recessprovided in the retention mechanism, the recess being located so as toalign with the hole in the closed position; and a pin insertable throughthe hole and into the recess so as to secure the retention mechanismwith respect to the base in the closed position.

In some implementations, the hole and the pin are oriented in transverserelation with respect to the retention member.

In some implementations, the locking mechanism includes a first lockingsystem for locking the first end of the retention member within thefirst chamber and/or a second locking system for locking the second endof the retention member within the second chamber.

In some implementations, the first chamber and the second chamber eachhave a closed end.

In some implementations, the retention member, the first chamber and thesecond chamber are sized and configured such that the first end of theretention member abuts on the closed end of the first chamber in theclosed position.

In some implementations, the retention member, the first chamber and thesecond chamber are sized and configured such that the second end of theretention member abuts on the closed end of the second chamber in theopen position.

In some implementations, the retention member has a cylindrical barshape, and the first chamber and the second chamber each have acylindrical shape.

In some implementations, the anchor further includes multiple retentionmembers arranged along the base.

In some implementations, the anchor may include multiple openingsprovided along the base wherein two adjacent openings have a commonchamber which extends from one opening to the adjacent opening andthrough the base, such that the retention member can slide along thecommon chamber to close at least one of the two adjacent openings.

In some implementations, the chambers of the multiple openings maycommunicate with one another so as to form a collinear tunnel.

In some implementations, the first chamber extending from the openinglocated at an edge of the anchor may have an open end which can slidablyreceive one or more retention members inserted through the open end.

In some implementations, the anchor further includes a connectorextending from the base to connect the base to the base of an adjacentanchor.

In some implementations, the base includes concrete or polymer concrete.

In some implementations, the base includes a composite material.

In some implementations, the base includes at least two retentionmechanisms.

In some implementations, the composite material is a polymer-concrete ora pultruded material.

In some implementations, the retention mechanism is embedded within thebase.

In some implementations, the retention member, the first chamber and thesecond chamber are sized to prevent the retention member from movingupwards.

In some implementations, the second chamber has a greater depth than thefirst chamber or wherein the first chamber has a greater depth than thesecond chamber.

In some implementations, the retention member is made of a non-corrodingmaterial.

In some implementations, the retention member is made of steel.

In some implementations, the retention member is made of a compositematerial.

In some implementations, the composite material is a pultruded material.

In some implementations, there is provided an anchor for anchoring anunderground storage tank. The anchor includes a composite baseincluding: a footing; and a spine extending upwardly from the footing soas to define footing portions on either side of the spine; in which thefooting and the spine have a composite composition including: a matrixmaterial; and a reinforcement structure embedded within the matrixmaterial; and a retention mechanism connected to the spine of thecomposite base for retaining a hook for anchoring the undergroundstorage tank.

In some implementations, the anchor further includes an envelopeenclosing the composite base.

In some implementations, the footing portions are about equally sized.

In some implementations, the footing portions each have an upward-facingsurface for contacting overlying backfill, each upward-facing surfacehaving area width of at least about between 4 to 14 inches for adiameter of the tank being about between 6 to 8 feet. Optionally, eachupward-facing surface may have area width of at least about between 10to 14 inches for a diameter of the tank being about between 6 to 8 feet.

In some implementations, the footing portions each have an upward-facingsurface for contacting overlying backfill, each upward-facing surfacehaving area width of at least about between 8 to 16 inches for adiameter of the tank being about 10 feet. Optionally, each upward-facingsurface may have area width of at least about between 8 to 20 inches fora diameter of the tank being about 10 feet.

In some implementations, the footing portions each have an upward-facingsurface for contacting overlying backfill, each upward-facing surfacehaving area width of at least about between 10 to 20 inches for adiameter of the tank being about 12 feet. Optionally, each upward-facingsurface may have area width of at least about between 10 to 26 inchesfor a diameter of the tank being about 12 feet.

In some implementations, the footing portions each have substantiallythe same length as the spine.

In some implementations, the footing portions are generally the samesize.

In some implementations, the reinforcement structure further includesreinforcing bars.

In some implementations, the reinforcing bars include an upperreinforcement bars extending within the spine; a lower reinforcementbars extending within the footing below the spine; and reinforcementconnectors each fixed to a corresponding upper reinforcement bar and acorresponding lower reinforcement bar.

In some implementations, the retention mechanism further includes anopening in the spine; a first chamber and a second chamber extendingfrom the opening in generally opposed relation to each other in thespine; a retention member including a first end and a second endrespectively insertable into the first chamber and the second chamber,the retention member being sized and configured to be displaceablebetween: an open position where the first end of the retention member islocated within the opening and is insertable through the hook; and aclosed position where the first end is located within the first chamberand the second end is located in the second chamber, thereby retainingthe hook with respect to the retention member.

In some implementations, corresponding upper reinforcement bars arelocated such that a portion thereof overlies the first and secondchambers respectively, to provide structural reinforcement in responseto upward force exerted on the retention member.

In some implementations, the retention member is a retention bar.

In some implementations, the retention bar has a one-piece structure.

In some implementations, the retention bar is straight.

In some implementations, the retention bar and the first and secondchambers are oriented lengthwise along the base and in generallyparallel relation with respect to a longitudinal axis of the undergroundtank.

In some implementations, the reinforcing bars further include additionalbars provide in each of the footing portions.

In some implementations, the reinforcement structure includes wire mesh.

In some implementations, there is provided a method for anchoring anunderground storage tank. The method includes providing an excavationpit sized to bury the underground storage tank, a first anchor and asecond anchor as defined above; placing the under underground storagetank, the first anchor and the second anchor in the excavation pit;providing an anchoring strap connected to a first hook, a tighteningmechanism and a second hook; connecting the first hook to the retentionmechanism of the first anchor; placing the anchoring strap over theunderground storage tank; connecting the second hook to the retentionmechanism of the second anchor; engaging the tightening mechanism toprovide a tension sufficient to hold the tank; and filling theexcavation pit with backfill material to bury the underground storagetank, the first anchor and the second anchor for anchoring theunderground storage tank.

In some implementations, the method includes providing at least twoanchors.

In some implementations, the method includes providing at least fouranchors.

In some implementations, there is provided a method for transporting theunderground storage tank. The method includes providing the undergroundstorage tank, a first anchor and a second anchor as described above on aflatbed trailer; providing an anchoring strap connected to a first hook,a tightening mechanism and a second hook; connecting the first hook tothe retention mechanism of the first anchor; placing the anchoring strapover the underground storage tank; connecting the second hook to theretention mechanism of the second anchor; engaging the tighteningmechanism to a predetermined tension; and transporting the undergroundstorage tank to a location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a perspective view of an anchor foranchoring an underground storage tank.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a side view of an anchor for anchoringan underground storage tank.

FIG. 2A is a close-up view of a portion of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a side view of part of an anchor foranchoring an underground storage tank.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a close-up cross-sectional view of aportion of an anchor for anchoring an underground storage tank.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a side view of a locking mechanism ofan anchor for anchoring an underground storage tank.

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a perspective view of two adjacentanchors connected to each other for anchoring an underground storagetank.

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a perspective view of an anchor foranchoring an underground storage tank.

FIG. 8 schematically illustrate a cross-section view of the anchor ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 8A is a close-up view of a portion of FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a perspective view of an anchor foranchoring an underground storage tank.

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a front view of a D-shaped hook foranchoring an underground storage tank.

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a side view of a D-shaped hook on ananchoring strap for anchoring an underground storage tank.

FIG. 12 schematically illustrates a top view of a D-shaped hook on ananchoring strap for anchoring an underground storage tank.

FIG. 13 schematically illustrates another side view of a D-shaped hookon an anchoring strap for anchoring an underground storage tank.

FIG. 14 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a D-shaped hookon an anchoring strap for anchoring an underground storage tank.

FIG. 15 schematically illustrates a D-shaped hook hooked to a retentionmechanism of an anchor for anchoring an underground storage tank.

FIG. 16 schematically illustrates a side view of a D-shaped hook and aC-shaped hook on an anchoring strap for anchoring an underground storagetank.

FIG. 17 schematically illustrates a top view of a D-shaped hook and aC-shaped hook on an anchoring strap for anchoring an underground storagetank.

FIG. 18 schematically illustrates another side view of a D-shaped hookand a C-shaped hook on an anchoring strap for anchoring an undergroundstorage tank.

FIG. 19 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a D-shapedhook and a C-shaped hook on an anchoring strap for anchoring anunderground storage tank.

FIG. 19A is a close-up view of the C-shaped hook of FIG. 19.

FIG. 19B is a close-up view of the D-shaped hook of FIG. 19.

FIG. 20 schematically illustrates a top view of an anchor anchoring anunderground storage tank.

FIG. 21 schematically illustrates a side view of an anchor anchoring anunderground storage tank.

FIG. 22 schematically illustrates a cross-section view along line XXIIof FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 schematically illustrates a perspective view of an anchoranchoring an underground storage tank.

FIG. 24 schematically illustrates a side view of part of an anchorincluding multiple adjacent retention mechanisms for anchoring anunderground storage tank.

FIG. 25 schematically illustrates a cross-section view showing a lockingmechanism of an anchor anchoring an underground storage tank.

FIG. 26 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a part of ananchor including two adjacent retention mechanisms for anchoring anunderground storage tank.

FIG. 27 schematically illustrates a cross-section view of a part of ananchor including two adjacent retention mechanisms for anchoring anunderground storage tank.

FIG. 28 schematically illustrates a cross-section view of a part of ananchor including three adjacent retention mechanisms for anchoring anunderground storage tank.

FIG. 29 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a part of ananchor anchoring an underground storage tank.

FIG. 30 is a close-up view of the D-shaped hook hooked to the retentionmechanism of the anchor of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 schematically illustrates a perspective view of anchorsanchoring an underground tank.

FIG. 32 schematically illustrates a cross-section view of anchorsanchoring an underground tank.

FIG. 33 schematically illustrates a close-up view of a portion of FIG.32.

FIG. 34 schematically illustrates a top part of a side view of anunderground storage tank.

FIG. 35 schematically illustrates a close-up view of an attachmentmechanism of FIG. 34.

FIG. 36 schematically illustrates a close-up view of another attachmentmechanism of FIG. 34.

FIG. 37 illustrates a cross-section view of the attachment mechanism ofFIG. 36.

FIG. 38 schematically illustrates a close-up view of another attachmentmechanism of FIG. 34.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In some implementations, there is provided an anchor having an enhancedretention mechanism for connection to a hook while anchoring anunderground tank and/or having a novel base construction that mayinclude an inverted “T” cross-sectional shape and a composite makeupincluding a matrix material and reinforcing member. In someimplementations, the enhanced retention mechanism may include aprotrusion extending from the base. Some implementations of the anchorcan enable the anchor to be relatively lightweight and can facilitateinstallation of the hook-and-strap system for anchoring the tank.

It should be noted that the anchors and methods described herein can beused for various UST applications. The excavation pit into which theanchor(s) and UST are placed may have a variety of configurations anddimensions, the backfill used to fill in the pit may be variousdifferent aggregates and soils, the hook-and-strap system for securingthe UTS to the anchors may be of various different types andconstructions, and the UTS itself may be made of various materials suchas steel, stainless steel, metals, fiberglass, concrete or polymerconcrete or combinations thereof.

Anchor with Retention Mechanism

According to some implementations, there is provided an anchor foranchoring an underground storage tank and the anchor includes a base anda retention mechanism connected to the base. The retention mechanism mayinclude an opening in the base; a first chamber and a second chamberextending from the opening in generally opposed relation to each other;and a retention member. The retention member includes a first end and asecond end respectively insertable into the first chamber and the secondchamber. The retention member is sized and configured to be displaceablebetween an open position where the first end of the retention member islocated within the opening and is insertable through a hook; and aclosed position where the first end is located within the first chamberand the second end is located in the second chamber, thereby retainingthe hook with respect to the retention member.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of the anchor 10 for anchoringan underground storage tank is illustrated. In this embodiment, theanchor 10 includes a base 12 and a retention mechanism 14 connected tothe base 12. The retention mechanism 14 may include an opening 16 thatextends into the base 12.

In some embodiments, the anchor 10 may include a triangular shape asillustrated in FIG. 9.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, in some scenarios the retentionmechanism 14 includes a first chamber 18 and a second chamber 20extending from the opening 16, in generally opposed relation to eachother. The retention mechanism 14 also includes a retention member 22.The retention member 22 includes a first end 24 and a second end 26respectively insertable into the first chamber 18 and the second chamber20. The retention member 22 is sized and configured to be displaceablebetween an open position where the first end 24 of the retention member22 is located within the opening 16 and is insertable through a hook(not illustrated here); and a closed position where the first end 24 islocated within the first chamber 18 and the second end 26 is located inthe second chamber 20, thereby retaining the hook with respect to theretention member 22. FIG. 4 schematically illustrates the retentionmechanism 14 in the closed position without the hook.

Referring to FIG. 4, the retention member 22 may be a retention bar. Theretention bar may have a one-piece structure. The retention bar may bestraight, and the first and second chambers may therefore be arrangeddirectly opposite each other. In addition, the retention bar and thefirst and second chambers 18, 20 may be oriented lengthwise along thebase 12 and in generally parallel relation with respect to alongitudinal axis of the underground tank. Typically, one or more anchoris placed on each side of the underground tank within the excavation pitat a distance from the bottom of the tank. The anchor may have agenerally elongate shape such that the anchor flanks the undergroundtank which may also have a generally elongate shape (e.g., cylindricalarranged on its side). In this arrangement where the retention mechanismmay be arranged such that retention bar extends lengthwise, installationof certain types of hook-and-strap systems may be facilitated, forinstance where the hook-and-strap system has a pivoted D-shaped hookoriented so that its opening faces the end of the retention bar.Alternatively, in some scenarios the retention mechanism may be arrangedtransverse relation with respect to the length of the UST and theanchor, and the hook-and-strap system may be adapted accordingly.

The retention bar may be made of material and have a construction toresist deflection in response to upward forces. The retention bar may,for example, be composed of stainless steel, fiberglass, galvanized castiron or any other suitable material.

In some implementations, the length of the anchor can be approximatelyequal to the length of the tank. Alternatively, there may be multipleanchors arranged end-to-end along one side of a given tank and attachedtogether, such that the total length of the multi-anchor system isapproximately equal to the length of the tank. In the multi-anchorscenario, the anchors on each side may be connected to each other viavarious types of connection mechanisms.

In some implementations, the retention member 22 may have a cylindricalbar shape, and the first chamber 18 and the second chamber 20 may eachhave a cylindrical shape.

In some implementations, the retention member 22 may have an octagonalbar shape, and the first chamber 18 and the second chamber 20 may eachhave an octagonal shape. In some other implementations, the retentionmember 22 may have a cylindrical bar shape, and the first chamber 18 andthe second chamber 20 may each have a circular shape in cross-section.

In some implementations, the retention member 22 may have a cylindricalbar shape, and the first chamber 18 and the second chamber 20 may eachhave a cylindrical shape. Optionally, the retention member and thechambers may have a hexagonal or octagonal shape for example.

Referring now to FIG. 8, in some implementations the retention member22, the first chamber 18 and the second chamber 20 are preferably sizedto prevent the retention member 22 from moving upwards. Also, the secondchamber 20 may have a greater depth than the first chamber 18. The firstchamber 18 may also have a greater depth than the second chamber 20.

In some implementations, the retention member 22 may be made of anon-corroding material. Optionally, the retention member may be made ofsteel. Also optionally, the retention member may be made of a compositematerial that may be a pultruded material.

Anchor with Locking Mechanism

Referring back to FIG. 4, the anchor 10 may include a locking mechanismfor locking the retention mechanism 14 with respect to the base 12 inthe closed position. The locking mechanism may be used with theretention mechanism illustrated and described herein, or with anothertype of retention mechanism. The locking mechanism may include apin-and-hole locking system. Thus, the locking mechanism may include ahole 28 provided through the base 12 and communicating with one of thechambers 18, 20, and a recess 30 provided in the retention mechanism 14,the recess 30 being located so as to align with the hole 28 in theclosed position. It should be noted that the recess 30 in the retentionmember may take the form of a groove or a channel that extends all theway through the retention member as shown in FIG. 4. In someimplementations, the locking mechanism may include a nut-and-boltlocking system.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the locking mechanism may also include a pin 32insertable through the hole 28 and into the recess 30 so as to securethe retention member with respect to the base 12 in the closed position.In some implementations, the pin 32 may be glued or press fit within thehole 28. The hole 28 and the pin 32 may be oriented in transverserelation with respect to the retention member. Optionally, the lockingmechanism includes a first locking system for locking the first end ofthe retention member within the first chamber. Optionally, the lockingmechanism may include a second locking system for locking the second endof the retention member within the second chamber.

Referring to FIG. 4, the first chamber 18 and the second chamber 20 mayeach have a closed end. Optionally, the retention member 22, the firstchamber 18 and the second chamber 20 are sized and configured such thatthe first end 24 of the retention member 22 abuts on the closed end ofthe first chamber 18 in the closed position. Also optionally, theretention member 22, the first chamber 18 and the second chamber 20 aresized and configured such that the second end 26 of the retention member22 abuts on the closed end of the second chamber 20 in the openposition. The sizing and configuration of the chambers and the retentionmember may be so as to facilitate alignment of the holes and recesses orother locking mechanism components.

Anchor Base Systems and Constructions

One or more anchors may be used on each side of a given UST, dependingon the size and configuration of the UST as well as the configurationand construction of the anchors.

Referring to FIG. 6, the anchor 10 may also further include a connector34 extending from the base 12 to connect the base 12 to the base of anadjacent anchor 36. The connector 34 may be a rod having opposed endsthat are respectively embedded into adjacent bases 12 in order to holdthe anchors together. The connectors 34 may be pre-fabricated and fixedwithin the two bases, or may be insertable with securing mechanismsduring installation of the anchors within the excavation pit.

Referring to FIG. 1, in some implementations the anchor 10 may includemultiple retention mechanisms arranged along the length of the base. Forexample, the anchor 10 may have at least two retention mechanisms thatare equally spaced apart from corresponding ends of the base. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 1, the anchor 10 includes two retentionmechanisms near opposed ends. Retention mechanisms may also be providedgenerally in the middle of the base. The number of retention mechanismsmay depend on various factors such as the size and configuration of theUST as well as the configuration and construction of the anchors.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, one of more retention mechanisms 14 may beprovided along the base. The retention mechanism can be embedded intothe upper part of the base, as illustrated, such that part of the basedefines the walls of the opening and the chambers. Alternatively,retention mechanisms 14 may be attached to the base in various otherways and may sit on top of the upper surface of the base.

The base of the anchor may be constructed in various ways. In someimplementations, the base has a composite construction including amatrix material and a reinforcement structure embedded within the matrixmaterial.

In some implementations, the base may include a footing, a spineextending upwardly from the footing so as to define footing portions oneither side of the spine, in which the footing and the spine have acomposite composition. The composite composition includes a matrixmaterial and a reinforcement structure embedded within the matrixmaterial. The base may have an inverted “T” cross-sectional shape. Theretention mechanism is connected to the spine of the composite base forretaining a hook for anchoring the underground storage tank. Theretention mechanism used in association with the composite base may bethe mechanism described in detail herein or may be a different kind ofretention mechanism for attachment to hooks.

Referring to FIG. 7, in some implementations the composite base 12includes a footing 38 and a spine 40 extending upwardly from the footing38 so as to define footing portions on either side of the spine 40. Thefooting 38 and the spine 40 have a composite composition that includes amatrix material and a reinforcement structure embedded within the matrixmaterial. The anchor 10 further includes a retention mechanism 14connected to the spine 40 of the composite base 12 for retaining a hookfor anchoring the underground storage tank.

Optionally, the footing portions are about equally sized. Alsooptionally, the footing portions each have an upward-facing surface forcontacting overlying backfill, each upward-facing surface having a widthof at least about between 4 to 14 inches for a tank having a diameter ofabout between 6 to 8 feet; at least about between 8 to 16 inches for atank having a diameter of about 10 feet; or at least about between 10 to20 inches for a tank having a diameter of about 12 feet. The width ofthe upward-facing surface may be provided such that the weight of thebackfill provides sufficient or predetermined downward force on theanchors in order to hold down the UST. The footing portions may eachhave substantially the same length as the spine. The footing portionsmay also generally be the same size as each other.

Still referring to FIG. 7, the reinforcement structure may includereinforcing bars that extend throughout the matrix material in both thefooting and spine parts of the base. The reinforcing bars may includeupper reinforcement bars 42 extending within the spine, lowerreinforcement bars 44 extending within the footing 38 below the spine40, and reinforcement connectors 46 each being fixed to a correspondingupper reinforcement bar and a corresponding lower reinforcement bar.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the opening 16 for the retention member 14may be in the spine 40; and the first chamber 18 and the second chamber20 extending from the opening 16 in generally opposed relation to eachother are also provided in the spine 40.

Referring to FIG. 8, in some implementations, corresponding upperreinforcement bars 42 may be located such that a portion of the upperreinforcement bars overlies the first 18 and second 20 chambersrespectively, to provide structural reinforcement in response to upwardforce exerted on the retention member 22. Thus, when the retentionmember 22 is engaged by the hook, the upward forces are transmitted tothe upper reinforcement bars 42 which are held down by the reinforcementconnectors 46 to the lower reinforcement bars 44 that extend into thefootings, thus distributing the upward forces through the base.

Referring to FIG. 7, the lower reinforcement bars 44 may includelongitudinal bars 45 that extend along the length of the base andlateral bars 47 that extend across the footing of the base. There may bemore lateral bars 47 proximate to the location of the retentionmechanism 14 compared to the other areas of the base, as illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 8, to provide additional reinforcement in areas of the basesubjected to greater forces.

In some implementations, the reinforcement structure may include wiremesh alone or in addition to reinforcement bars.

In some implementations, the anchor 10 may have a weight of betweenabout 30 kg and about 200 kg.

In some implementations, the matrix material of the base may includeconcrete or a composite material such as a polymer-concrete, a pultrudedmaterial or steel bars.

Withstanding Buoyancy Forces

In some implementations, the anchor components are configured towithstand buoyancy forces of an anchored tank. The size andconfiguration of various components, such as the retention members andthe footings, may be considered.

In some instances, within the excavation pit where the tank is anchored,there may be a water-table high enough to create a buoyancy force withinthe tank. The expression “water-table” is intended to refer to a waterlevel present in the excavation pit where the tank is anchored. Thewater level may be the result of infiltrating precipitation throughpores in the ground where the tank is anchored. As a result, theanchored tank may have a tendency to “float” upwards and thus thisbuoyancy force may create an upward force on the retention mechanism.

Base Envelope Construction

Referring to FIG. 4, in some scenarios the anchor 10 further includes anenvelope enclosing the composite base 12. The base envelope is generallymade of a woven roving or knitted roving glass fiber and conforms to thecomposite base 12. The general function of the base envelope is tostrengthen the overall composite base 12.

In some implementations, the base envelope sufficiently strengthens thecomposite base and the reinforcement bars or structure may not berequired.

Installation Techniques

For installation, two hooks are generally attached to opposed ends of ananchoring strap, optionally via corresponding turnbuckles. The hook maybe a C-shaped hook, a D-shaped hook, a spring-hook or any other adequatetype of hook. Preferably, the hook is a pivoted D-shaped hook throughwhich the retention bar can be threaded. Advantageously, provided thatthe anchoring strap has at least one pivoted D-shaped hook, as shown inFIGS. 11 to 14 and 16 to 19, the tank installation circumvents the needfor using at least one turnbuckle or tensional mechanism. Turnbucklesmay be avoided all together, provided that the anchoring strap has apivoted D-shaped hook attached to each opposed ends of the anchoringstrap.

In some implementations, the anchoring strap includes a pivoted D-shapedhook and a C-shaped hook.

In some implementations, the anchoring strap includes a pivoted D-shapedhook and a D-shaped hook. In some implementations, the anchoring strapincludes a pivoted D-shaped hook and a T-shaped hook.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 15, the pivoted D-shaped hook 48 is generallyperpendicular to the anchoring strap 49.

Alternatively, referring now to FIGS. 16 to 19, the pivoted D-shapedhook 48 and a C-shaped hook 50 may be attached to opposed ends of theanchoring strap 49.

Further Optional Implementations

FIGS. 24 to 33 illustrate implementations of the anchor includingmultiple retention mechanisms to offer various locations for anchoringthe underground tank.

FIGS. 34 to 38 illustrate implementations of attachment mechanisms ofthe underground tank configured to cooperate with one or more strap(s)anchorable to the anchor.

In some implementations, the anchor may be configured to providemultiple attachments points along the underground tank by includingmultiple retention mechanisms for retaining corresponding straps.Referring to FIGS. 24, 26 and 28, the anchor 10 may have multipleopenings 160 along its length, at least two adjacent openings beingsized and shaped to cooperate with a retention member 220. Each of theopenings 160 may be in communication with corresponding opposed chambers180, and the chambers 180 of adjacent openings can also communicate witheach other. The chambers 180 can be formed as a collinear tunnel suchthat the retention member 220, such as a bar, could be inserted and slidthrough the chambers 180.

In some implementations, one of the chambers proximate the edge of theanchor can end at the edge of the anchor as a hole, allowing insertionof other elements. For instance, one or more retention members can beinserted via the hole in order to be positioned at correspondingopenings.

In some implementations, the retention member can be configured andsized so as to be inserted into the chambers via the opening. Theretention member may have a construction allowing it to collapse ortelescope to allow deployment into the opening and then expanded withinthe opening so that its opposed ends insert into corresponding chambers.The retention member may be composed of materials allowing sufficientflexibility to deflect while being inserted into the chambers, e.g.,pultruded materials.

In some implementations, the retention member can be sized so as to belocated at a single opening to provide an attachment point. For example,as seen in FIG. 24, the retention member 220 can slide along thecollinear tunnel 180 such that only one the two adjacent openings 160can be closed by the retention member 220. Alternatively, the retentionmember can be sized so as to extend across multiple openings and providemultiple attachment points.

It should also be noted that some of the openings can have a fixed rodthat passes over an upper part of the opening and which is embedded intoopposed sides of the base, thereby forming a fixed attachment pointrather than a slidable attachment point (e.g., as in the case forimplementations of the retention member). The fixed rod attachmentpoints can be used to attach various kinds of hooks (e.g., C-hooks) orother mechanisms that can attach to a fixed rod.

Referring to FIGS. 25 and 27, the anchor 10 may include a polymerconcrete base 120 configured to slidably engage a pultruded retainingbar 220 which can be locked in place by a fiberglass pultruded pin 320.The base 120 may also be configured to include fiberglass pultrudedrebar 322 and 324 of different sizes and thicknesses so as to reinforcethe structure, and fiberglass filament winding 326. FIG. 28 shows asimilar implementation including three adjacent openings 160 and acollinear tunnel 180.

In the implementations illustrated in FIGS. 29 to 33, the anchor canhave multiple openings 160 for providing the possibility for multipleattachment points with a retention mechanism 140 adapted to retain ahook 480 and strap 490 and thereby anchoring the underground tank. Asbetter seen in FIG. 30, a D-shaped hook 480 may be hooked to theretention member 220 within either one of the three adjacent openings160, depending on the position of the retention member 220 with respectto the collinear tunnel 180. Optionally, several anchors may be providedalong each lateral side of the underground tank to provide as manyattachment points as needed. For example, FIG. 31 shows an undergroundtank with two anchors on either lateral side, where some of theattachment points are being used. Referring to FIGS. 32 and 33, a samestrap 490 can hold down the underground tank with each of the twoD-shaped hooks 480 anchored to one retention mechanism 140 on eitherside of the tank.

Referring to FIGS. 34 to 38, the straps may be attached and secured atthe top of the tank via various attachment mechanisms, examples of whichare illustrated. It should be noted that various other mechanisms can beused with the anchors described herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An anchor for anchoring an underground storagetank, the anchor comprising: a base; a retention mechanism connected tothe base, the retention mechanism comprising: an opening in the base; afirst chamber and a second chamber extending from the opening ingenerally opposed relation to each other; a retention member comprisinga first end and a second end respectively insertable into the firstchamber and the second chamber, the retention member being sized andconfigured to be displaceable between: an open position where the firstend of the retention member is located within the opening and isinsertable through a hook; and a closed position where the first end islocated within the first chamber and the second end is located in thesecond chamber, thereby retaining the hook with respect to the retentionmember.
 2. The anchor of claim 1, wherein the retention member is aretention bar, has a one-piece structure and is straight. 3-4.(canceled)
 5. The anchor of claim 2, wherein the retention bar and thefirst and second chambers are oriented lengthwise along the base and ingenerally parallel relation with respect to a longitudinal axis of theunderground tank.
 6. The anchor of claim 1, further comprising a lockingmechanism for locking the retention mechanism with respect to the basein the closed position.
 7. The anchor of claim 6, wherein the lockingmechanism comprises a pin-and-hole locking system.
 8. The anchor ofclaim 7, wherein the locking mechanism comprises: a hole providedthrough the base and communicating with one of the chambers; a recessprovided in the retention mechanism, the recess being located so as toalign with the hole in the closed position; and a pin insertable throughthe hole and into the recess so as to secure the retention mechanismwith respect to the base in the closed position.
 9. The anchor of claim8, wherein the hole and the pin are oriented in transverse relation withrespect to the retention member.
 10. The anchor of claim 9, wherein thelocking mechanism comprises a first locking system for locking the firstend of the retention member within the first chamber and/or a secondlocking system for locking the second end of the retention member withinthe second chamber.
 11. (canceled)
 12. The anchor of claim 1, furthercomprising multiple retention members arranged along the base.
 13. Theanchor of claim 1, wherein the first chamber and the second chamber eachhave a closed end.
 14. The anchor of claim 13, wherein the retentionmember, the first chamber and the second chamber are sized andconfigured such that the first end of the retention member abuts on theclosed end of the first chamber in the closed position.
 15. The anchorof claim 13, wherein the retention member, the first chamber and thesecond chamber are sized and configured such that the second end of theretention member abuts on the closed end of the second chamber in theopen position.
 16. The anchor of claim 1, comprising multiple openingsprovided along the base wherein two adjacent openings have a commonchamber which extends from one opening to the adjacent opening andthrough the base, such that the retention member can slide along thecommon chamber to close at least one of the two adjacent openings;wherein the chambers of the multiple openings communicate with oneanother so as to form a collinear tunnel; and wherein the first chamberextending from the opening located at an edge of the anchor has an openend which can slidably receive one or more retention members insertedthrough the open end. 17-22. (canceled)
 23. The anchor of claim 1,wherein the retention mechanism is embedded within the base. 24-29.(canceled)
 30. An anchor for anchoring an underground storage tank, theanchor comprising: a composite base comprising: a footing; and a spineextending upwardly from the footing so as to define footing portions oneither side of the spine; wherein the footing and the spine have acomposite composition comprising: a matrix material; and a reinforcementstructure embedded within the matrix material; and a retention mechanismconnected to the spine of the composite base for retaining a hook foranchoring the underground storage tank. 31-32. (canceled)
 33. The anchorof claim 30, wherein the footing portions each have an upward-facingsurface for contacting overlying backfill, each upward-facing surfacehaving area width of at least about between 4 to 14 inches for adiameter of the tank being about between 6 to 8 feet. 34-37. (canceled)38. The anchor of claim 30, wherein the reinforcement structure furthercomprises reinforcing bars.
 39. The anchor of claim 38, wherein thereinforcing bars comprise: an upper reinforcement bars extending withinthe spine; a lower reinforcement bars extending within the footing belowthe spine; and reinforcement connectors each fixed to a correspondingupper reinforcement bar and a corresponding lower reinforcement bar. 40.The anchor claim 39, wherein the retention mechanism further comprises:an opening in the spine; a first chamber and a second chamber extendingfrom the opening in generally opposed relation to each other in thespine; a retention member comprising a first end and a second endrespectively insertable into the first chamber and the second chamber,the retention member being sized and configured to be displaceablebetween: an open position where the first end of the retention member islocated within the opening and is insertable through the hook; and aclosed position where the first end is located within the first chamberand the second end is located in the second chamber, thereby retainingthe hook with respect to the retention member.
 41. The anchor of claim40, wherein corresponding upper reinforcement bars are located such thata portion thereof overlies the first and second chambers respectively,to provide structural reinforcement in response to upward force exertedon the retention member; and wherein the reinforcing bars furthercomprise additional bars provide in each of the footing portions. 42-46.(canceled)